Ash Krafton, USA Today Best-Selling Author of Speculative Fiction: excerpt

Showing posts with label excerpt. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

SPELLBOUND boxed set #author Joanne Wadsworth #spotlight & #excerpt!

Be SPELLBOUND by 20 full-length urban fantasy and paranormal romance reads.

Only $0.99

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Readers of all ages will be swept away by this fascinating mix of existing titles and brand new content, full of pages brimming with faeries, witches, vampires, shifters, psychics, Greek gods, angels, demons, and even ghosts!

With over a million words of fiction, this is your one stop shop for urban fantasy, epic fantasy, sword and sorcery, shifter romance, vampire romance, elemental magic, time travel, and MORE from today’s New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling authors!

Although some of these reads may be gritty and dark, this is a collection of clean reads that anyone will enjoy!

Secure your Limited Edition copy with one click today, and for a special treat, enjoy this sample excerpt from one of the authors in SPELLBOUND.

PROTECTOR, by Joanne Wadsworth

To love and protect…across worlds.

Eighteen-year-old Faith Stryker is prepared to leap out into the unknown world beyond her home shores of New Zealand to experience life. Only she never expected to encounter Magio, a planet with two warring countries, where its people reach adulthood at eighteen by coming into their strength and prophetic abilities. Only after Faith discovers she’s a Halfling—thanks to her warrior father she’s never met—does her own skill of forethought develop.

Peacio’s Prince Davio Loveria is sent to the young Faith Stryker by his grandfather, but not all goes as planned. Davio discovers Faith isn’t just a Halfling, she’s also his soul-bound mate—an intense relationship he cannot, nor will not, give up.

With two wars now waging…one of land and the other of the heart…can the young couple find their place in the world?

Enjoy this excerpt...

Davio leaned over me, all six foot four of him, his warm honey-brown hair falling forward to curl snugly around his neck, and I longed for him, just as I had during my first sighting of him in the classroom.

“Why do I suddenly want you this close?”

“What’s happening is the bond, my mate. It will become difficult for me to keep my distance from you, both physically and emotionally. The same goes for you, unless of course I leave and end this now.”

“You really want to leave?” My heart hitched and I swayed closer. “Is that how this bond works? We find each other and then you leave?”

“No, it never happens that way. Those who are mated are bonded for life if we allow our souls their desire, except that would be the most unwise choice for us to take. You are, quite clearly, neither from my country nor from my world, and as such will have no allegiance to me or my people. I have no wish to join with one who doesn’t wish to join with me in all ways. With that being the case, I will find another when the time is right. As should you,” he added solemnly.

“Hold on.” Did he just say he would be joining with another woman?

I bit my tongue. That was good? I should leave it at that, right?

Jeez, what was wrong with me for questioning that choice?

“I’m sorry. We just met, and you’re right. Go find your, your—” Strangely, I struggled to get the words out and finally gave up. “Well, have yourself a nice long life, and all that.” I patted his chest roughly.

That was better.

The clock ticked and time slowed.

He didn’t move.

“Look at me.” With one finger sliding under my chin, he tipped my gaze to his. “This would never work.”

“I understand. It’s been pretty awful meeting you. I certainly don’t want to be bonded to you for life.” I tried to pull my mind from the soft spot where I’d bedded down, but had no luck. I actually detested the thought of letting go.

Perhaps I’d try physically first. I leaned back, only he moved his hand around to the small of my back and prevented me.

I gripped his arm. “Okay, you were going.”

About the Author:

Joanne Wadsworth is a USA Today Bestselling Author who adores getting lost in the world of romance, no matter what era in time that might be. Hot alpha Highlanders hound her, demanding their stories are told and she’s devoted to ensuring they meet their match, whether that be with a feisty lass from the present or far in the past.

Living on a tiny island at the bottom of the world, she calls New Zealand home. Big-dreamer, hoarder of chocolate, and addicted to juicy watermelons since the age of five, she chases after her four energetic children and has her own hunky hubby on the side.

So come and join in all the fun, because this kiwi girl promises to give you her “Hot-Highlander” oath, to bring you a heart-pounding, sexy adventure from the moment you turn the first page. This is where romance meets fantasy and adventure…

To learn more about Joanne and her works, visit: Website: http://www.joannewadsworth.com

Pre-Order SPELLBOUND for Only $0.99

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

SPELLBOUND boxed set #author Alicia Rades #spotlight & #excerpt!

Be SPELLBOUND by 20 full-length urban fantasy and paranormal romance reads.

Only $0.99

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

FIRE IN FROST, by Alicia Rades

CRYSTAL FROST tells herself she isn't crazy, but sane people don't see ghosts. As her psychic abilities manifest, Crystal discovers there's a much bigger story behind her mother's Halloween-themed shop than she ever realized. Now blessed with the ability to see into the future, witness the past, and speak with the dead, Crystal must use these tools to save those who have come to her for help.

But that's not an easy task between learning how to use her abilities, trying to hide them, and uncovering the secrets her loved ones have been keeping from her. Add blackmail to the list of things Crystal never thought would happen to her, and you basically have her sophomore year covered. Will she learn to control her abilities in time, or will the whole school learn of her secret before she's ready to reveal it?

Enjoy this excerpt...

The thought of death crushed my heart, so I kept my eyes down, avoiding gazes so I wouldn’t tear up. I didn’t know Olivia that well, but since we were both on the volleyball team—although she was Varsity when I was on the freshman team—I’d spoken to her a few times.

I blinked back tears as I thought of Olivia’s tragedy. The whole idea of death brought a lump to my throat and resurfaced memories that I thought I’d gotten over. Emma rubbed my back to comfort me because she knew the subject of death was a touchy one.

As I stared at the floor, afraid to look up for fear that tears might start falling, an invisible force—something unknown willing me to look—pulled my chin up. My gaze fell upon the empty hallway to the right of the commons area where students hadn’t yet been released to roam for the day.

In the middle of the hallway stood a tall, beautiful girl with blonde hair and dark brown eyes. She looked at me across the distance, her eyes full of emotion. I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what she was trying to say with her expression, except that I knew it was urgent.

As soon as I spotted her, the bell rang, announcing that students could now go to their lockers and prepare for class. The crowd dispersed from the commons into the hallway and blocked my view of the girl. The students hurried down the hall as if they didn’t see her. I kept my eye on where she was standing, but I didn’t see her again.

“Crystal.” Emma’s voice seemed far off, a distant hum in my confusion.

The faintness I felt just moments ago returned. My heart pounded in my ears, and for a second, my knees felt unstable. I gripped the edge of the fundraising table for support.

Emma snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Crystal,” she said again as her voice came back into focus.

I was suddenly whipped back into reality, dazed. “Wh—what?”

“Are you okay?” Emma asked with a tone of serious concern. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I let the statement sink in for a moment. “Yeah,” I said. But I wasn’t answering her initial question. I was agreeing with her latter statement.

About the Author:

Alicia Rades is an award-winning young adult paranormal author with a love for supernatural stories set in the modern world. When she’s not plotting out fiction novels, she’s running her own professional writing business, plowing her way through her never-ending reading list, or preparing for the backpacking trips she takes every summer. Alicia holds a bachelor's degree in communications with an emphasis on professional writing. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two cats. Connect with Alicia at aliciaradesauthor.com.

Pre-Order SPELLBOUND for Only $0.99

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

SPELLBOUND boxed set #author C.E. Wilson #spotlight & #excerpt!

Be SPELLBOUND by 20 full-length urban fantasy and paranormal romance reads.

Only $0.99

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iBooks / Kobo

THE BOY WITH WORDS, by C.E.Wilson

White Frost has only known the darkness.

Everything outside of her closed society is The Unknown – a strange and dangerous place accessible to only a chosen few. White’s only glimpse of the world beyond comes from her beloved cousin in the form of mysterious collections of words that hint at astonishing wonders. When an accident upends her simple existence, she’s given an unlikely chance to see the truth for herself.

What she finds is greater and more terrible than she could have imagined, and before long she is forced to make the most important choice of her life: does she accept her safe, limited world that she’s known or take a desperate gamble in a world not meant for her with the Boy with Words?

Enjoy this excerpt...

Blood on the curtains.

I tried to find my footing. “Is he alright?”

Fresh looked over my head and I pounded him hard several times on the chest. Groups of people started to turn in our direction, but I couldn't think about them. All I could think about was the blood on the curtain, and the massive man holding steady as I continued to hit him.

“Is he alright?” I shouted. “Tell me! Is my cousin alright?”

“Calm down.” Fresh wrapped two larger hands around my own and I was no longer able to strike him. “Your cousin... Shade Frost...”

“Yes?”

“As you have heard, there was an attack.” Fresh continued slowly and methodically, almost as though he enjoyed my pain. “We cannot tell for sure what the aggressor was, but it was something that has not been encountered before.” He shook his head. “We are told it is the color of fire and attacked the group as they brought back the body of Ms. Lincoln.”

“The body?” I croaked.

He nodded. “They were trying to bring the woman back for her family's sake. Your cousin was guarding the rear of the group. As I am sure you are aware, the tail-man is the most dangerous and vulnerable position. Being the tail-man is a risk and it is unfortunate your cousin was selected to take that position. It is randomly decided—”

“Is he alive or not?” The words flew from my trembling lips before I had a chance to stop them. I wanted to know, but by humoring Fresh for a little while longer I could pretend what I knew in my heart hadn't actually happened. Ignorance could have kept my hopes alive for a little while longer, but I was a fool and sought answers as quickly as possible. I supposed my thirst for knowledge had finally backfired. “Is he alive or not?” I tried. My voice shook. I already knew.

“I am sorry, Ms. Frost.”

About the Author:

C.E. Wilson is a Secondary English Education graduate from Millersville University of Pennsylvania currently living in Pittsburgh with her husband, daughter, chubby beagle and two cats.

C.E. published her first book in 2012 entitled Oath of Servitude and hasn't looked back since. Her favorite genres to tackle are Young and Clean New Adult with a supernatural element... though she generally steers clear of vampires and werewolves. For now.

When C.E. isn't writing or spending time with her family, she enjoys watching Supernatural, reading shoujo manga and shopping for leggings. She enjoys autumn, all things pumpkin, 90s music, and coffee with way too much cream.

Connect with C.E. Wilson at: http://cewilsonauthor.com/

Pre-Order SPELLBOUND for Only $0.99

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

SPELLBOUND boxed set #author Rachel E. Carter #spotlight & #excerpt!

Be SPELLBOUND by 20 full-length urban fantasy and paranormal romance reads.

Only $0.99

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

FIRST YEAR, by Rachel E. Carter

Magic. Romance. Rivals. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Falling Kingdoms, and Tamora Pierce.

Before the age of seventeen, the young men and women of Jerar are given a choice —pursue a trade or enroll in a trial year in one of the realm’s three war schools to study as a soldier, knight, or mage…

For fifteen-year-old Ryiah, the choice has always been easy. Become a mage and train in Combat, the most prestigious faction of magic.

Yet when she arrives, Ry finds herself competing against friend and foe for one of the exalted apprenticeships. Everyone is rooting for her to fail—first and foremost among them is Prince Darren, the school prodigy who has done nothing but make life miserable since she arrived.

Will she survive, or will her dream go down in flames?

Enjoy this excerpt...

“I wasn't referring to your trivial heritage.” The prince looked at me contemptuously. “I care little enough whether you grew up in the fields or a damned palace.” He took a step closer and looked down at me, speaking the next few words slowly. “When I say ‘people like you' I am referring to the ones who so clearly have no real magic or potential of any kind.”

I clenched my fists until I could no longer feel them. Hot blood pulsed under my skin. Prince or not, I had never come this close to punching someone outside of an arena.

“You…” I couldn't even come up with the rest.

Darren continued on, unaware of how dangerously he was treading. “Really, it's unthinkable that the masters could even consider the possibility of denying me in favor of someone like you who plainly has no purpose attempting the robes in the first place.”

My nails dug into my palm, and I was vaguely aware of the warm trickle of blood filling my fist. Heat clouded my vision, and Darren's smug face filled my mind. “When I say people like you.” His words were like fire, singeing my skin as they piled into an inferno of red.

“What are you—stop! RYIAH!”

My vision cleared, and I realized Darren was shouting, madly shaking the sleeves of his cloak, flames licking across its edges. The flames were growing higher every second, perilously close to his arms.

“Don't just stand there!” he snarled. “Make it stop!”

I looked down at my hands, which had since unclasped. There was no more pressure or pain. The fire should have snuffed out on its own like it had that time with the moss.

Only it hadn't. Just like that other time with the bandit. What’s wrong with me?

Fear pooled in my gut. “I can't!”

“Well, it’s your magic!” he shot back. “I already used up my stamina—” He swore as a flame nicked his skin.

“Ryiah!”

I raced over and bit back a cry as fire caught my skin. I helped hold Darren’s sleeves while he pulled his arms out one by one. As soon as he finished, I tossed the cloak to the floor, stomping out the remaining flames against the marble floor.

“You bloody fool!” The sleeves of his thin undershirt were scorched in several places, revealing painful red swells on both wrists and part of his forearm.

“I didn't mean to!”

“Of course, you didn't mean to!” Darren was livid. “You have no control over your own magic!”

I winced. “Is there anything I can do?”

Darren lifted one arm at a time, testing the extent of his injury and frowning.

“Do you want me to help you back to your quarters?” He needed to soak those burns before they started to blister. I didn't have to be my brother to understand the basics of self-preservation.

Darren laughed hoarsely. “I'm staying right where I am. I didn't come all this way to turn back.”

I gaped at him. “You can't be serious!”

“I've had worse.” The prince picked up his books and carried them over to his usual chair. He noticed my stare and added, “You don't become the best if you aren't willing to stick your hand in the fire.”

“I always thought that was an expression.”

The corner of his lip twitched, and for a moment, I thought Darren was about to smile. “I think it was… until tonight.”

About the Author:

Rachel E. Carter is a YA & NA author who hoards coffee and books. She has a weakness for villains and Mr. Darcy love interests. Her first series is the bestselling YA fantasy, The Black Mage, and she has plenty more books to come. Sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all new releases, giveaways, and sales on her website: www.RachelECarter.com.

Pre-Order SPELLBOUND for Only $0.99

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

SPELLBOUND boxed set #author Megan Crewe #spotlight & #excerpt!

Be SPELLBOUND by 20 full-length urban fantasy and paranormal romance reads.

Only $0.99

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

A Mortal Song, by Megan Crewe

Sora's life was full of magic—until she discovered it was all a lie.

Heir to Mt. Fuji's spirit kingdom, Sora yearns to finally take on the sacred kami duties. But just as she confronts her parents to make a plea, a ghostly army invades the mountain. Barely escaping with her life, Sora follows her mother's last instructions to a heart-wrenching discovery: she is a human changeling, raised as a decoy while her parents' true daughter remained safe but unaware in modern-day Tokyo. Her powers were only borrowed, never her own. Now, with the world's natural cycles falling into chaos and the ghosts plotting an even more deadly assault, it falls on her to train the unprepared kami princess.

As Sora struggles with her emerging human weaknesses and the draw of an unanticipated ally with secrets of his own, she vows to keep fighting for her loved ones and the world they once protected. But for one mortal girl to make a difference in this desperate war between the spirits, she may have to give up the only home she's ever known.

Enjoy this excerpt...

The screams and shouts of the battle rose, louder, closer, and my heart thudded louder too. The way Mother and Father had embraced me—it was almost as if they never expected to see me again.

I wrenched against Takeo’s grasp, but he refused to let go. “They ordered us to stay here,” he said, his expression strained.

“So what?” I said. “We have to help!”

“Your mother gave specific orders.”

I gritted my teeth. While I was “strong” and Ayame “frantic,” the word that best described Takeo’s nature was “steadfast.” He wouldn’t have been chosen as a palace guard otherwise. But there were times when unwavering loyalty was a pain in the neck. He’d tie me up and throw me in a closet before he’d disobey my parents’ word.

Another cry rang out. A paper screen ripped. My hands clenched. I needed my sword—in my rooms down the hall. Takeo drew his, taking a defensive stance I’d seen him fall into so many times when we’d sparred, but never to meet a real enemy. Our martial training served mostly to focus the mind and keep our traditions alive. The sorts of creatures kami might have fought against once rarely traveled close to Mt. Fuji, especially now that so many humans lived nearby. I’d never witnessed even a minor skirmish. How could this be happening? Nothing made sense.

Takeo’s grasp on my wrist had loosened. I lunged forward, snapping his hold, and shoved open the door.

“Sora!” Takeo said, but I was already scrambling out into the hall. The sight of the scene at the far end made my heart stop. Three palace guards and a group of other kami were caught in a wave of shadowy figures that blotted out what remained of the sunlight. The onslaught of ghosts moved like a tsunami, crashing through the hall. One ghost snapped a rope tight around a bear kami’s neck. Another swung a curved blade at a guard and split the billowing sleeve of her uniform. Dozens more swarmed past them, toppling some kami with the sheer mass of their momentum and heaving darkly knotted nets into their midst. The ghosts’ cackles and the kami’s grunts of pain ricocheted off the walls.

A cold sweat had broken over my skin, but I dashed forward all the same, gathering ki in my hands. “Catch them all!” a voice was shouting. “Push them into the rooms! We can hold them there.” More ghosts charged through the panels along the hall. One burst out just a few feet ahead of me and flung a mottled net my way. I dodged backward, my feet stumbling as a sickly, rotten smell filled my nose. Then Takeo’s solid hands caught my shoulders. He yanked me back into my parents’ chambers with a surge of ki.

“They’re almost on us,” he said. “We have to go.”

I struggled against him, even though my body was trembling. A shriek pierced the air from just outside. “We can’t abandon everyone!” I said.

“Your mother thinks this is best.” Takeo pulled me around to face him. He met my gaze, his eyes dark. “You trust her, don’t you?”

Before I could answer, a body smashed through the door beside us.

About the Author:

Like many authors, Megan Crewe finds writing about herself much more difficult than making things up. A few definite facts: she lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and son (and does on occasion say “eh”), she’s always planning some new trip around the world, and she’s spent the last six years studying kung fu, so you should probably be nice to her. Megan's YA novels have been nominated for multiple awards and published more than ten different languages. They include the paranormal GIVE UP THE GHOST, post-apocalyptic the Fallen World series, the sci fi Earth & Sky trilogy, and the contemporary fantasy A MORTAL SONG. You can visit her online at http://www.megancrewe.com

Pre-Order SPELLBOUND for Only $0.99

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Saturday, November 19, 2016

The Pirate’s Lady by Tricia Schneider: Excerpt and Giveaway!

One of my favorite things to do is spotlight other authors when they have new work to share. In this case, I am doubly blessed...not only is Tricia Schneider my fellow Wild Rose Press author, she's also a beloved friend. She has been one of the biggest sources of inspiration to me along my writer's road. I'm thrilled to share her newest achievement with you!

Tricia Schneider captured my heart with her Merriweather Witches a long time ago... Recently, she has released a new historical romance. Gorgeous cover, gorgeous story. *hearts* I hope you enjoy the excerpt! (And make sure you enter the giveaway down at the end...)

The Pirate’s Lady by Tricia Schneider

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: November 11, 2016

Cover Artist: RJ Morris

ISBN: 978-1-5092-1065-7

ASIN: B01LZU45G4

Rating: Spicy

Number of pages: 70

Word Count: 16,330

About the Book

Captain Marco Dante was captured and sentenced to hang two years ago, but he escaped before his punishment was carried out. Now he's come back to the woman whose memory kept him alive those long months in prison. Arianne had been his grand passion, but he failed to see how much she meant to him until it was too late. Can he recapture her heart? Or has he lost her forever?

Arianne never imagined she’d see her notorious pirate lover again. Though her heart sings with joy at his return, she knows he hasn't come back for her but for the treasure he left behind. She agrees to help him find it, but can her heart withstand one more adventure with him?

Excerpt

“I have a life here now.”

“There’s nothing for you here. Your place is by my side. In your heart, you know ’tis true.”

She looked away, turning her gaze to the ocean’s waves pounding the beach with hypnotic rhythm. A few moments ago, she sat here, mulling over her life’s misfortunes and attempting to reach a decision about her future.

Her fate.

Arianne shook her head. “I no longer travel your path. You sail without me, my friend.”

She pushed her bare toes into the grainy sand and stood, brushing the remaining sand that clung to her petticoats. In the silence of the crashing waves, she turned and walked away.

Inside, her heart bled. Yet, she deserved no better. Her life led to this heartache. That she walked away from this man now, after all this time only confirmed it.

“Arianne, you’re coming with me.”

His serious tone warned her of his intentions. She spun to face him, unsheathing her sword in time to block his attack. The sound of metal striking metal pierced the moonlit darkness. Her ears rang with the sound.

They stood, neither moving. She stared into his eyes. “You would take me by force?”

“Never by force,” his voice lowered to a growl. “You will come willingly.” And he smiled, that knowing one she hated.

She let out a howl of outrage and swung her sword. He easily blocked. They stepped a deadly dance of striking blades, until again they were trapped by heated gazes.

Her breathing was heavy, labored, filled with excitement. She looked at his lips, wanting to taste them but knowing she dared not. Her will was never strong around him. With one touch she might lose herself and want him again for forever. But that dream would never be achievable with Marco.

With him, she’d always be alone.

“Come with me, Arianne.”

“No.”

She pushed away and again they danced. Her feet moved lightly as she sprang, her petticoats swirling with each movement though she hoped they would not entangle her legs. Her arm swung with lithe movements as she fought. She equaled him with skill and grace. Each time their swords clashed, the noise pierced her soul. That she fought him was a testament to her determination to escape his tyranny over her heart. She could not succumb to him again.

As they battled, a sheen of sweat appeared upon his brow. The exposed skin of his chest glistened in the moonlight. His arms flexed as he swung his sword. His grace, his power, his energy seduced her.

Her heart pounded. Her skin ached to touch his. The heat in her lower regions grew to a fiery inferno.

She trembled.

Again, they locked blades.

They stood a moment, staring. His gaze burned into her soul. She licked the salty sweat from her upper lip, and his eyes followed the movement with utter fascination.

He pushed their swords away. With his free hand, he grabbed her shoulder, pulling her tight against his chest. Arianne tilted her head to look into his eyes. The blue depths called to her, like the ocean’s waves licking at her feet. The yearning to go to him was too great. She hadn’t the will to fight.

Goodreads / Amazon / The Wild Rose Press /

Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

About the Author:

Tricia Schneider is an author of historical, paranormal and gothic romance. Before the supernatural took possession of her pen, she worked for several years as Assistant Manager and bookseller at Waldenbooks. After the store closed, she turned to writing fiction full-time. She has written both short stories and full-length novels published by The Wild Rose Press, including her newest book, The Pirate's Lady, and her historical paranormal romance series, The Merriweather Witches. Tricia is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives in the Pennsylvania coal region with her musician husband, their 4 young children and 3 rescued cats.

Website / Blog

Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Pinterest

Tour Giveaway!

Enter for a Chance to Win a

$20.00 Amazon eGift Card

a Pirate Treasure Chest Trinket Box

RAFFLECOPTER

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

#OctoberFrights in #CharmCity: Putting the Ick in Magick

Happy October Frights Blog Hopping!

Today I'll be sharing an excerpt from my latest urban fantasy, CHARM CITY: The Demon Whisperer #1.

Simon Alliant is a mage exorcist who's doing his share to clean up the streets of Baltimore. Only thing is, it's a mess not too many people get to see...

Demons. Demonic possessions. The darkness, rising.

He's got the Light on his side: Mack, an Angelic Watcher, has become his handler, more or less. But when it comes down to pushing up his sleeves and digging into the actual work, he's on his own.

Until he meets Chiara...

EXCERPT from CHARM CITY: The Demon Whisperer #1

Chiara pushed her drink away. "Look, it’s been a long day. My correction may have looked like a bunch of simple whispering but I’m drained. Thanks for the drinks."

"I insist. Look, if I have to bind you here…" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a fistful of charms, picking through them.

She narrowed her eyes.

"If I have to try to bind you…" he amended, feeling a bit sheepish.

She exhaled through stiff lips as if she were trying to push away a strong impulse. "Fine. Just—put those away before someone gets hurt."

He grinned and put his gear away, hands up to show his surrender. "Better?"

"A little. But I'm going to ask the first question. What business to you have with that angel?"

Eh. Of course, she'd go right for the million dollar question. He scratched his head and felt his way around an answer.

A child of the Light has one foot in the darkness. Mack's words echoed through his memory, a replay of a previous heraldic message. Vague enough, but he couldn't tell it to her. Not that he wouldn't, but honestly couldn't.

When he tried, a sudden alien force gripped his voice, restraining the words. The ward was a condition of the message. Kind of a divine need-to-know. And as far as Simon knew, he was the only one who needed to know.

Finally, he got something to come out of his mouth.

"It's complicated," he said.

"That much is universally understood. No? Don't want to 'talk' so much, huh?"

"It's not that. Dealing with angels can be…tricky. I don't talk to people much, either. Sometimes I forget what I can or can't say."

"A ward?" She glanced at him and nodded. "Makes sense. No worries. I know the rules. But it's not just that angel lolloping about that concerns me. It's his lolloping about a man like you."

A man like him? Comments like that were always a bit double-sided. He was more or less programed to see the dark side of things. He frowned, immediately on the defense.

But then the wall crashed in.

Literally.

His reply was lost in the barrage of glass and stone and wood that flew in all directions. He spread open his jacket, shielding Chiara and pushed her down, behind him, before scanning the scene.

The front end of a blue Ford F-150 had bellied up to the bar.

The bartended, Bobby, had taken the impact hard, knocked backward onto the center counter, dazed but alive. The dislodged cash register hit the floor with a clatter that was dwarfed in the shower of brick and debris pouring from the gaping hole in the wall.

A bearded man slumped out of the driver's side window, his neck bent at an ugly angle. Black smoke leaked out of his gaping mouth, his bloodied ears, and snaked its way over toward Bobby, who lay helplessly sprawled over the counter.

"No. No, no. Bobby!" Simon reached into his inside pocket, feeling for a soul-lock charm. Not there. It must have fallen out.

He boosted himself up and rolled over the bar, digging through the upset garnish tubs. Lime. Cocktail onions. Perfect for protection spells. All gone, lost in the mess of ice and glass and splintered bar.

"Simon!" Chiara was on her feet. "Get out of there before you get tagged!"

He ducked out of the way of the black vapors, stepping a wide berth around them.

The smoke curled into Bobby's nose and mouth and the man rolled his head, rousing. His eyes blinked open. His pupils glowed a sullen red that spread and quickly engulfed the entire eye.

The voice that came out of Bobby's mouth was not Bobby's.

ALLIANT. The voice was like a screech of metal under the roar of a massive waterfall. I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU.

Read more of CHARM CITY...FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

The first in a new Urban Fantasy series...

Find it on

Amazon | Goodreads

Ash Krafton is a speculative fiction writer from the coal region of Pennsylvania. She's the author of numerous urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels, as well as collections of poetry and short fiction. Must be something magic in the water there in PA...after all, those folks can actually *set rocks on fire*. If that ain't magic, we don't know what is. Visit her at www.AshKrafton.com to see what laws of reality she'll be bending next.

Find Ash Krafton

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Website

Enter my October Frights giveaway here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See who else is playing in the dark...

click on the link below to get hopping!

An InLinkz Link-up

And don't miss the other giveaways you'll find when you click on the October Giveaways tab up above or click here for a handy shortcut :)